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Entheogens and Existential Intelligence: The Use of Plant Teachers as Cognitive Tools (2002)

In light of recent specific liberalizations in drug laws in some countries, I have investigated
the potential of entheogens (i.e., psychoactive plants used as spiritual sacraments) as tools
to facilitate existential intelligence. “Plant teachers” from the Americas such as ayahuasca,psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote, and the Indo-Aryan soma of Eurasia, are examples of
entheogens that have been used used in both the past and present. These have all been
revered as spiritual or cognitive tools to provide a richer cosmological understanding of
the world for both individuals and cultures. I used Gardner’s (1999a) revised multiple
intelligence theory and his postulation of an “existential” intelligence as a theoretical lens
through which to account for the cognitive possibilities of entheogens and explore potential
ramifications for education.
In light of recent specific liberalizations in drug laws in some countries, I have investigated
the potential of entheogens (i.e., psychoactive plants used as spiritual sacraments) as tools
to facilitate existential intelligence. “Plant teachers” from the Americas such as ayahuasca,psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote, and the Indo-Aryan soma of Eurasia, are examples of
entheogens that have been used used in both the past and present. These have all been
revered as spiritual or cognitive tools to provide a richer cosmological understanding of
the world for both individuals and cultures. I used Gardner’s (1999a) revised multiple
intelligence theory and his postulation of an “existential” intelligence as a theoretical lens
through which to account for the cognitive possibilities of entheogens and explore potential
ramifications for education.